New Religious Movements: The Basics

This engaging book provides a concise introduction to the field of New Religious Movements (NRMs). Now in its Second Edition, this book outlines how NRMs fit with a popular understanding of cults, and how scholarly definitions can help us understand NRMs. Introducing the reader to some of the key issues and debates in the field of NRM studies, this book includes discussions on how to define the term “new religious movement,” how to critically unpack the term “cult,” brainwashing and deprogramming, prophecy and failed prophecy, charisma and authority, NRMs and violence, and NRMs and gender. This new edition features the following:A new chapter on AI and how some people have sacralized it;Additional material on internet cults using social media;Additional coverage of anti-cult and counter-cult movements;Updated case study examples and an updated glossary; andCoverage of current legal cases surrounding undue influence and coercive control. This book is essential for students and scholars of religion who are approaching the study of NRMs for the first time as well as those interested in deepening their understanding of NRMs and cults.